First Fridays Art Around Town
First Fridays Art Around Town
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Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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A couple of years ago a handful of artists at CrossRoads Gallery came up with the idea for a First Friday Artist Reception, hoping it would bring people downtown while promoting the arts and art sales in Tehachapi, and celebrating and honoring local artists.
The group also hoped that the event would eventually grow into an art walk, similar to those held in other artistic communities.
Since that first art reception, the dreams of the CrossRoads artists have certainly been realized…and then some. Currently seven galleries and art-related businesses are part of what is now known as First Friday’s Art Around Town.
In August, the First Friday fall on the first day of the month, and the Art Around Town venues will each have something a little special and unique to offer visitors.
CrossRoads Gallery will be featuring the artwork of Marge Marantos and her mentor, Millie Funk (now deceased), to honor the western heritage of our community. In addition, Judy Whitfield (jewelry designer and oil painter) and Carmen Lewis (silversmith) will be featured, showing off some wonderfully creative and unique jewelry pieces.
Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is in mid-show, but they will be open on First Friday for visitors to view the member art show in process, featuring works of Tehachapi Valley Arts Association members.
Frame of Mind features local artists in a variety of media, and often has demonstrations and drawings for prizes.
Books & Crannies will be featuring local author Melvin McAllister, who will be signing his book on August 1, and the bookstore is offering a 15% discount on his book sales that evening.
Tehachapi Art Center will feature oil painting demonstrations by Juanita Niemeyer and maybe more, plus a 10% discount on all art and supplies.
In August, Picture Perfect and Stamps of Approval, located next door to CrossRoads Gallery, will be added to the roster, featuring a plethora of paper arts and local artists, and will offer various paper art demonstrations.
Mama HillyBean’s Coffee and Community, a great place to end the evening, will be featuring New Mexico born and bred artist Cara Hutchinson, plus musical guests Jon Hammond and Al Crisalli.
All of the venues offer refreshments and occasionally live music is on tap at each place. The evening is a time to celebrate art and creativity, in all its many forms, and a good time is the goal for all.
And to make sure you can see and enjoy everything, Jamal Nasser of Jamal Nasser Financial and Insurance Services has sponsored limousine rides for First Friday visitors. The limo will make the circuit of all participating venues, so there will be no excuse for anyone not seeing it all.
Plan to stop in at all of these places on any first Friday:
CrossRoads Gallery (101 E Tehachapi Boulevard);
Gallery N Gifts (100 W Tehachapi Boulevard);
Frame of Mind/Art and Glass (1121 W Valley Blvd);
Books & Crannies (also 1121 West Valley Blvd);
Mama Hillybean's Coffee and Community (426 E Tehachapi Blvd);
Tehachapi Art Center (777-A West Tehachapi Blvd); and
Picture Perfect and Stamps of Approval (101-C E Tehachapi Blvd).
Start at one end and end up at the other, but be sure to get by all the participating businesses on the first Friday of each month to enjoy our community's very special focus on local creativity.
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